Why isn't anyone talking about Ford's Interceptor Concept?
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Im a little confused. I thought the Mustang platform was very loosely based on the LS. It would seem lengthening it to be a 4 dr would be the same as the next LS or is the Interceptor replacing the LS? If not maybe the cheaper Ford version? If thats the case does that mean the Falcon isnt comming to the US as it would be direct competition or would the Aussie Falcon become a Lincoln LS or a Merc?
The transformation from DEW98 to the Mustang's D2C, dumped DEW's sophisticated front and rear suspension for Mustang's more austere set-up. But D2C retained much of DEW's floorplan and some structure. As an aside, I also understand it's more rigid. That's why I guess a sedan version would probably mimic the LS's dimensions. It'll probably also be a good chance to re-arrange the rear structure in order to make room for proper geometry on the IRS.
What's happening with the Aussie Falcon? Your guess is as good as mine.
Last edited by Z284ever; Dec 17, 2006 at 11:09 PM.
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NA V8
We can talk about the IRS that this concept may have - the same one that the 10/11 Mustang will ride on.
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I thought Ford had already engineered the IRS for Mustang when the current Mustang launced. Am I wrong about this? I was also under the impression that the next redesign Mustang was pretty much locked in. There was even a rendering online which looked pretty funky, Mustang II. Did Ford go back to the drawing board or did the bean counters say hey sports sedan on the chassis that we can sell in coupe form very well and at cheap prices, sure why not?
Maybe Proud Pony can chime in here, but I'm under the impression that the next Mustang is already locked in. I'm just wondering if all Mustangs - in fact all next gen D2C's ( if that is even in fact what it'll be called), will have IRS across the board or not. I'm guessing that it probably will be.
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Ford was originally planning on an IRS, but with all the changes to create D2C they were having some engineering issues packaging IRS with the right geometry. It would have eaten up some time as well, possibly pushing the program back. In the end it was just more expedient to move forward with a live axle and save the IRS for the MCE.
???!!!!!!!!!
Ummm........
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My dream is that the Interceptor (which should have a Hurricane V8) will be a preview of a RWD replacement, on a stretched Mustang platform, for both the D3 flop and the Panthers. It should be the size of the Chrysler 300 and the Zeta Impala, about 200 inches long. The production version would share its engines with the Mustang (perhaps either a 3.5L DOHC or 4.0L SOHC V6, a 4.6L SOHC V8, and a 5.8L Hurricane V8). I would use the Thunderbird name, although most would disagree. A Lincoln version (hopefully named Continental) would use the 3.7L V6 and the 6.2L V8.
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I'd like to see Ford build a two-seat hi-po GT notched above the Mustang (Vette pricing, roughly) with some luxury touches and some serious high performance capabilities, and a luxo look, and call THAT Thunderbird. Sort of what the Chrysler Firepower was going to be. (Not that they could really justify such a car at this historical juncture; I'm just musing.)
Failing that, I think the name should sit on the shelf until a worthwhile product comes along.
Failing that, I think the name should sit on the shelf until a worthwhile product comes along.
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When Ford discontinued the last T-Bird, they indicated that there was a good chance the Thunderbird would return again. So who knows.
Assuming Ford goes forward with a family of RWD cars, a Ford sedan is a no-brainer. Also, something for Lincoln. But what about Mercury? Should it get one?
Assuming Ford goes forward with a family of RWD cars, a Ford sedan is a no-brainer. Also, something for Lincoln. But what about Mercury? Should it get one?
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In an interview last January, Jay O'Connell, Chief Technical Engineer for SVT, said that packaging constraints specific to the Mustang, would not have allowed for optimum geometry for an IRS.
Also, someone on this board (can't remember who), that formerly worked on the Mustang, mentioned some packaging issues with it as well.
Also, someone on this board (can't remember who), that formerly worked on the Mustang, mentioned some packaging issues with it as well.
